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From DRF (The Inside Post): Always in a Tiz will run in Belmont Stakes 2013.Posted 15 hours ago
Mucho Macho Man breezed 5f in 1:01.40 (4/11) at Fair Hill on 5-24. Posted 16 hours ago
Wise Dan targets the G2 Firecracker 'Cap at Churchill on June 29. Posted 1 day ago
Jockey Chantal Sutherland will return to saddle at Del Mar. Posted 1 day ago
Itsmyluckyday to skip Belmont Stakes 2013 in favor of Pegasus Stakes on 6-16. Posted 1 day ago
Rosie Napravnik will ride Code West in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 1 day ago
From DRF (The Inside Post): Mylute will not run in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 2 days ago
Eblouissante breezed 4f :49.17 (18/44) at Belmont (dirt Training) on 5-22. Posted 2 days ago
Giant Finish will make his next start in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 2 days ago
Unlimited Budget is expected to face males in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 4 days ago

Pimlico Special

Pimlico Race Course

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Grade 3, 3yo and up, 1mile 3/16 dirt

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William D. Schaefer Hcp.

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What the Nation is saying about the Pimlico Special...

Pimlico Special Romp is Last Gunfighter’s 6th in a Row

Last Gunfighter used a powerful stretch run to blow right on by the alone on the lead, Eighttofasttocatch, to win the Grade 3 Pimlico Special by an ever-widening 4 ¼ lengths. Read More

Show All 32 Comments
Floridaf · Last Gunfighter wasn't too far off the pace, but his and Fiftyshadesofhay's wins certainly bode well for Orb tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing Last Gunfighter continue his success. · 7 days ago ·

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travel_vic · POSITION is just as misleading as a finish is due to parallex.....Without knowin the pace of race, a postion IN EXACTLY THE SAME FRACTIONAL VELOCITY can be as different as 8 lengths...Is it the time interval that is important not the relative position. · 7 days ago ·

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Sully · Another useless rant by TV that helped absolutely nobody. · 7 days ago ·

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travel_vic · another PROVABLE theory, unlike 99% of the rest written here · 6 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Take your nonsense somewhere else, Travel_Vic ... it's not wanted here. · 6 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · TV/ZilZal/Dr.Tim...When are you going to learn that you're usless rant is not welcome in many horse racing forum. You were force out of two other horse racing/handicapping forum prior to this one for the same non-sense. Learn that the game is evolving and many incorporate more than the Sartin Methodology. Things like Jockey, Surface, post postion does make a difference, it might be minimal but it does make a difference. Example, Riva Ridge(pouring rain), The Bid(Jockey Error)..... · 6 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · you're=your · 6 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · SA/ZX now this crap can get buried. · 6 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · You seem to have a serious problem and need help. I suggest you get some..... · 6 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · TV is it possible tht humans are not from the planet earth...another improb able theory? · 6 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Laz...TV need help. · 6 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · sword. We should put in a call to Mars and have them send down a therapist. · 6 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · You know? One way to shut up tv, is to have D Wayne Lukas win a big race. As much as he goes out of his way to bash Lukas, I find a sense of happiness that Lukas won, even though I didn't pick the winner. Ha!!! · 5 days ago ·

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rafirox · Brian, CFC, LAZ, Sword, et al. Didn't we (hrn) kick a guy named "Humphrey" out once? I wasn't on, but I've heard these legends and they entertain me. Why is it taking so long to kick TV out, considering how fast we kicked out Humphrey? They're equally as annoying, no? I recently heard Cocoa say he is done with this site until I quit. I'd love that, but I'm sure he'll come back in two days. Imagine Cocoa being gone! Imagine TV being gone! I feel like listening to the song "Imagine" now. By the way, I heard Tim.Smith and MANY others state that TV and Cocoa are the two most annoying people on this site; if we ban TV and Cocoa is serious (doubt it, he's immature) than you got your wish! Have a good one, everyone. Hope y'all nenjoyed the Preakness day. · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · @Laz - Maybe someone can bring back Dr. Howard Sartin to give him therapy. @rafirox - Agreed that TV is very disruptive and should be kick out until he can come to the realization that Dr. Sartin methodology is not the only way. However, cocoa is a kid and will learn. I can post a link from another site where a user has requested for Travel Vic to leave their forum. · 5 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Howard was more P T Barnum in later years than therapist · 5 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Sunil Anthony does not know the entire story about a clown who stole all the Sartin programming and now goes around selling it as if it were his....He just happens to run that website and can't stand the facts of that situation getting out to his adoring public. · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Dr. Tim Yatcak, I could care less about who stole Sartin Programming and selling it. Are you jealous of that person? Is he getting more sales than you? Last time I check, you were promoting sales of a handicapping software( Track Master?). It is none of my business, I used my natural ability to judge horses base on multiple elements. However, you seem obsess with Dr. Sartin methodology that you rant about random malarkey. Maybe you should stick with being a Podiatrist! · 5 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · At last the comment in which Sunil/zx called me a bitch was deleted--oops. He wants others banned, but that's what he posts? Another case of a slow news day or no live racing, apparently, although I watched plenty of racing while this type of commentary goes on. These are adults who act like ganging up little girls. I can't say that I haven't engaged in tactics like that myself. I have. That was the wrong choice. Sorry for even trying to stop the nonsense because my interference seems to fuel resentment. · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Dr. Tim Yatcak, I could care less about who stole Sartin Programming and selling it. Are you jealous of that person? Is he getting more sales than you? Last time I check, you were promoting sales of a handicapping software( Track Master?). It is none of my business, I used my natural ability to judge horses base on multiple elements. However, you seem obsess with Dr. Sartin methodology that you rant about random malarkey. Maybe you should stick with being a Podiatrist · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Yes, I call you that because you don't know how to mind your own business. Get some help.... · 5 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Not when the idiot talks lawsuit every time ANYONE else tries to talk about what he thinks is his....There was a big movement by one of his minions last summer that caused all manner of problems with the corporate guys over copyright infringement...The CLOWN STOLE the ideas, they are not his to have a lawsuit to initiate. · 5 days ago ·

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travel_vic · I have no vested interest in selling programs, I give them away for the cost of materials and postage...They are free to download. · 5 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · You post other names than usernames, and you talk about minding one's own business, zx? Then, you use profanity when your same "medicine" comes back on you? What kind of help? Thorough doctor check? Great idea. I don't have advice for you. This is a horse racing website, not therapy or elementary girls' clique. · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · You used your moderating rights to display my full name. I used research from other site to figure out who TV true identity. I have no problem with displaying my full name but I'd love know what kind criteria HRN uses to pick their moderators? One who is bias and betray user privacy? BTW...I never started anything with you or say anything directly to you until you stick your mouth into others business. What your problem with my talk about TV, you are his ________? He can't defend himself so the ________ have to do it? Is it love, lust, or puppy love? You should take that up with Travel Vic..... · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · If you think posting my name which is "Sunil Anthony" is getting under my skin. You are so freaking wrong. Why should I hide who I am? · 5 days ago ·

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rafirox · Sword. I just typed out a reply, but it deleted. I'll start all over :). One request I'd like to make; is that HRN could be a bit more user friendly on posts (perhaps could the post be saved, deleted, edited, etc?)... Anyway. Sword, you already gave me the dirt on travel_vic, so that is not neccasary. Travel_vic's constant douchebaggery and conduct gets on many people's nerve; including mine. The way he acts like he is above everyone else? The way he iis constantly making unwanted rants? The way he is a hypocrite to many extents? In my orginal post, I gave examples, however it takes forever to write. If you wis examples, please request. I, for one, believe his behavior should not be tolerated to even the slightest degree. I believe he should be banned. I honestly believe what he does to several people should not be respected and tolerated. If you believe travel_vic has ever bullied you, picked at you or has done any of the things I stated (earlier in the post) on a somewhat regular basis, please "like" this comment, to show support and acknowledgement that his behavior IS unwanted or needed. Sword. Yes, Cocoa is a kid, what's your point? Just because he is a kid means he should be treated to a lower standard? Age has nothing to do with this, IMO. Age is just a numvber, this is fully associated with common behavior and attitude on this site. Tell me, have you ever seen TampaBayDownsFan make rude remarks at other people like Cocoa has? Have you ever seen UnionRagsRules make rude remarks to other people like Cocoa has? Age has nothing to do with this, it is just a number. I hold TampaBayDownsFan to the highest standard and respect. Everytime I see the username, I fully expect to see debate provoking and systematic thoughts poured onto a computer screen and I expect mature behavior. I hole the same standard for Cocoa, you, Mary, Travel_vic, myself, gelded, Jarrod, CFC, Mr. Thirsty, etc, etc. I don't care about the age, just the behavior. I also am trying to comprehend what HRN' criteria is for picking moderators. A completely biased one at that? Finally, regarding the name bullshit. Really, Mary? Really? You think you can get under a grown man's skin by referring and addressing him by his true name and identity? Such thoughts aren't comprehendable. What logic is that? Nothing is more dead with you, Mary, than logic. Since you feel the urge to be immature and try to get under people's skin, you, or anyone, can let unwanted anger out by calling me by my real name: Ed (lmao, Mary, that's so going to get under my skin)... GROW UP. · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Rafirox...My point with cocoa is that kids always have room for improvement and I have to admit that I have a soft spot for kids. However, if he keep on acting immature, then I agree with you. TV is in a league of his own with being rude, cocky, know it all, my way is the only way attitude and I've spoken to many user on other forum that say the same thing, he is distributive and a pessimist at best. I would love to see a voting system on who wants him out but it should be hosted on another site where the moderator won't change the result. I bet that scale hang to one side... · 5 days ago ·

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rafirox · Sword. I too hold a soft spot for kids- I have two sons and I have nephew and nieses- but, as I said, I won't tolerate such despicable behavior. Cocoa consistently pleads to be treated like an adult and held to adult standards, so I may ask, why does he constantly posts argument-provoking, immature and unwanted posts? I speak with, I believe 8 people on this site (two I know in person and six others over e-mail).. 6 out of 8 hold negative feelings towards Cocoa. 1 out of 8 said he's "alright, not as bad as travel_vic" and 1 out of 8 simply said she liked his posts. This website is brilliant. Definitely my favorite website, by far. However, this website reaches only 75% of it's potential when Cocoa y Travel_vic are active users. If Cocoa and Travel_vic weren't on, this site would dramatically improve satisfaction. Has anyone ever noticed when Cocoa and/or TV are not on at times, the site immediately is more enjoyable? Less arguments, less of this crap, more debates, less bullying and more friendliness? · 5 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Zx, I'm making this correction to your post: I am not an h r n moderator. You made your name public. No one from this website's administration divulged your personal information. · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Where did I make it public? Everything point to zXSwordXz except in my HRN profile where I input my correct name since I have nothing to hide. · 5 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · The Suburban will be next for Last Gunfighter. · 2 days ago ·

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Richard's Kid at Home in Pimlico Special

When the field for Friday's $300,000 Pimlico Special (G3) appeared to come up short, trainer Doug O'Neill considered two options: to enter both Richard's Kid and Handsome Mike or place the latter in a different spot.Read More

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Invasor: First-Ballot Hall of Famer

A Grade 1 winner on three continents, Horse of the Year in two nations, Triple Crown champion, and a winner of the two richest dirt races in the world, you better believe that Invasor is headed to Racing's Hall of Fame.Read More

Show All 12 Comments
Mike in SB · Totally agree, I was lucky enough to see him run twice, in the Pimlico Special and Breeders Cup. He was a great horse and as you said he would often go off in the big races at pretty good odds. He will be in the Hall of Fame. I am looking forward to the article on Chris Antley and personally I think Alex Solis deserves to be in the Hall of Fame as well. · 84 days ago ·

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kaitlinefree1 · he won the Triple Crown in one country, the Breeder's Cup Classic, Dubai World Cup, & many other G1 races. of course he belongs in the Hall of Fame!!! · 84 days ago ·

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tigeronebravo · WITH A RESUME LIKE HIS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND · 84 days ago ·

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goblin · I agree that Invasor deserves to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame horse! He was a unique presence in the U.S., generating excitement and inspiring confidence as he provided win after win regardless of the circumstances of the race. His Breeders' Cup Classic is my favorite. · 84 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Wish he'd ship to England or SA so his get can actually have a chance to do something and he can get good mares · 84 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Thank you for chronicling this wonderful horse's career. I agree that he is well deserving of the Hall of Fame. Although his progeny have not accounted for much yet, it is hard for me to think that he will not sire a high caliber horse in his stud career as well. · 84 days ago ·

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On The Gallop's · Fantastic horse. · 84 days ago ·

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head_heart_hooves · A name I don't hear quite enough of as one of the recent greats. A cool horse. · 84 days ago ·

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mshutty · Little known fact that Invasor is my all-time favorite thoroughbred. There was never a Breeder's Cup Classic contender in which I had so much confidence. Just as the sun broke through after a grey BC day, Invasor comes bounding around that final turn and if you were sitting in the stands at the top of the stretch as I was, there was no doubt who was going to win the Classic. Very deserving horse for a spot in the Hall of Fame. · 83 days ago ·

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HarasSantaInes · We bred Invasor at Haras Santa Ines (ex-Clausan). Great news that #Invasor has been chosen finalist of the 2013 Hall of Fame. We are receiving messages from all around the world! If you like more information, please visit www.harassantaines.com, Twitter @HarasSantaInes, Facebook Haras Santa Ines, and YouTube Haras Santa Ines. Thanks a lot for your great comments! · 82 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · Congratulations Haras Santa Ines on Invasor's induction into the HOF. A well deserved honor I might add. · 82 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Wonderful that he's getting this recognition, a true racehorse. · 82 days ago ·

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2012 was a Very Good Year for Maryland Racing

Join Gary Quill as he counts down the best of Maryland in 2012...Read More

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MichaelHorvath · Since the year is not over, hold your final decision until Race #7 at Laurel on Friday! · 155 days ago ·

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darlene · haha Michael Horvath I know all your races with your horses have been your most exciting of the year · 155 days ago ·

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darlene · Md has had some thrilling races this year and this is a good list of them · 155 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · The most anticipated race of the year has to be the Kentucky Derby but the race that got me out of my seat was the Belmont Stakes. The patience that Johnny V show with Union Rags was just amazing. Just wish Johnny V was on UR back in the KD and it would have been a different race. · 155 days ago ·

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gold n money · I would agree with every race other than the best pal. Especially at #2. I can think of about 5 more exciting juvenile races not to mention other age group races. The preakness was by far the best of the year howver, and deserves the number one slot. · 155 days ago ·

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kaitlinefree1 · the Preakness.! but the Breeder's Cup Juvenile was really exciting also. · 155 days ago ·

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zatt · Love the list, Gary ... I think the Preakness was not only the best race in Maryland, but the best of any state! · 155 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Rapid Redux goes right behind the Preakness. · 155 days ago ·

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illhaveanothertriplecrown · I think the Preakness was race of the year! · 154 days ago ·

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joseph.martin.1044186 · Still love the Maryland Hunt Cup. A great day; a great race...in Md. · 154 days ago ·

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Alydar, Affirmed, Secretariat, Criminal Type - June 24th

Affirmed, ridden by Laffit Pincay Jr., became the first horse to top $2 million in earnings after he won the Hollywood Gold Cup.Read More

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Is I’ll Have Another the best horse in America?

I’ll Have Another was the unanimous number one selection in the three year-old poll, but in the poll for all divisions he was ranked in second behind Alternation. Read More

Show All 17 Comments
MattBernier · I beg to differ, Brian. As of right now, I don't see how I'll Have Another hasn't already won Horse of the Year, regardless of what happens in a few weeks at Belmont. Unless an older horse like either of the Dan's goes undefeated (especially Wise Dan if that 117 wasn't an outlier), I don't see what any horse can do to surpass what I'll Have Another has already accomplished, and it's only the end of May. · 367 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Thanks for the inclusion with such an esteemed list, Matt ... and to Matt B, No horse clinches the Horse of the Year in May, but they certainly can with a Triple Crown. I am rooting for him! · 367 days ago ·

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Floridaf · I'm on the fence here. Logically speaking, I have to agree that horses in the handicap divisions have a slight edge because they are facing their elders and are being weighted, but given the circumstances surrounding Alternation and I'll Have Another, I would argue that you have to throw logic out the window. I'll Have Another has accomplished a lot so far this year, and Alternation just threw his name back in the mix. For me, I'll Have Another would have to be #1 right now. · 367 days ago ·

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Paladin · I agree with Haskin, a no-brainer. I'll Have Another · 367 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · I agree with Zipse and Haskin. · 367 days ago ·

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hshfarms · I am going to say at the moment he is the best horse in America, having said that... I will not crown him the Horse of the Year until the year is over. The year is not even half over yet... Remember 2004, the year Smarty Jones almost won the Triple Crown, then was retired b/c of chronic bruising before ever running again? So much can happen between now and the end of the year to crown him HOY right now. And honestly I still have some reservations saying he is currently the best. · 367 days ago ·

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ruffian75 · He's run in seven races, won five, and has YET to be favored in any race. Looks like he likes to overcome the odds. · 367 days ago ·

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ILuvTurfRacing · Best horse in America? I don't know? Time will tell when start getting into the part of the season where you see the 3yr.old's able to take on the older horses. But I think best 3yr.old in America is certainly a fair description. When a 3yr.old's won a G1 Santa Anita Derby, G1 Kentucky Derby, G1 Preakness, and is staring racing immortality right in the face if he can win the G1 Belmont Stakes, it's no fluke. That horse has real ability. JMO. · 367 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · It take a truly oustanding horse to overcome a horse like Bodemeister given the fractions he set in the Preakness. If IHA wasn't in that race it would have just been another Arkasas Derby type romp. Brad Free has selected this horse in every race since the San Felipe 100% isn't bad. Luckily for me I follow his picks. At one time fairly recently one of his books was selling for $700. now they are all gone and I wanted that one badly. Best handicapper I've come across and I've been riding his coatails for many years. · 367 days ago ·

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annmatt · I guess I'll Have Another is going to have to win the Belmont by at least 15-20 lengths before he gets any real respect! Jeeeeeez! Some people sure are hard to please! · 367 days ago ·

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hshfarms · I'm not hard to please... just realistic. Everyone here is so hungry for a Triple Crown that they have already convinced themselves that IHA will win it. We'll see on June 9th. · 367 days ago ·

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GaryHeppy · The Belmont's 1 1/2 M contest fits I'll have anothers running style perfectly! Mario = EDDIE D · 365 days ago ·

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michael.rad3 · not yet · 364 days ago ·

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michael.rad3 · will finish 3rd or 4th in belmont , Union rags will win , with mark valeski, and dullahan · 364 days ago ·

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don.moose.84 · Best 3 y/o for sure... The 1 1/2 mile Belmont will suit him best... it will be a race for the AGES!!!! · 364 days ago ·

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notobsessed · I'm just not convinced that Alternation is the best horse · 364 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · And just think, we have two more weeks to debate the merits of IHA...fun, fun! · 363 days ago ·

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Hitting the Jackpot Pick 5 or: How I learned to love I’ll Have Another

Let me get this out of the way right now … I’m not a big bettor. That probably will come as a surprise to many of you, as closely as I follow the sport, and as often as I write about it, but it’s true. I live, eat, and breathe thoroughbred horse racing, but wagering is only one part of the game I en...Read More

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AndyScoggin · I need to attend the ZSfSB. I know the headmaster so maybe I can get in, eventhough I will be a problem student. (That's the Zipse School for Smart Betting). Seriously, nice job on the Pick 5! · 370 days ago ·

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Floridaf · You definitely had a happy day of betting. As for me, I had the trifecta for the Preakness (not that it paid much) but failed to bet because I have been on a losing streak recently. I'll never (yea right) make that mistake again. Here's rooting for I'll Have Another in the Belmont! · 370 days ago ·

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tony bada bing · Zipse, couldn't happen to a nicer guy! You da man! · 370 days ago ·

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lucysmom · Way to go Brian. You played it smart · 370 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Congrats, Brian. Nice score, handicapper ! · 370 days ago ·

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SallyWatanabe · Knew this horse was special when he won the Bob Lewis. :) · 370 days ago ·

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driveon · NICE score, Zipster. Well-played and well-deserved. Congrats! · 370 days ago ·

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JanetFauble · Congrats! Brian...good explanation and great win! I am working on the high 5. Belmont, here we come, all of us who are wanting to see the Triple Crown go to I'll Have Another this year. Some of us via satellite t.v. · 370 days ago ·

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KyOaksRunner · That's awesome Brian....I'll be heading to Belmont as well! · 370 days ago ·

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ErnieMunick · Yeahhh bawwwyyhh · 370 days ago ·

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zatt · Thank you, everyone! Now let's see a Triple Crown!!! · 370 days ago ·

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annmatt · Brian, thanks for your candor about how little you bet, and that your main interest is the sport itself. I have felt somewhat guilty because my love of the sport is overwhelming at times, and I rarely bet. My account balance at TwinSpires is the same now as it was a year ago. I absolutely love the sport, and make no apologies for it, while at the same time there are much needed changes I fight for whenever I can in various forums. My vow this year, though, is to learn to bet, to understand a little more about intelligent handicapping (I'm aware that a dart board is not a proper handicapping tool). I'm considering several options on that front, but, do you have any suggestions as to where a bright and eager student should go to learn about betting on the horses? Love your commentary, always, love your site (and it is getting faster to load!). Cheers and on to Belmont! · 370 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Great job, Brian!! I'm glad you had such a great 2 days at Pimlico. I hope you can carry that on to the Belmont · 370 days ago ·

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rayjay · Nice handicapping, Brian. Good luck in NY! · 369 days ago ·

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I'll Have Another Preakness Week Photo Gallery

Preakness week was more than just I'll Have Another - see the stars at Pimlico in this phot gallery!Read More

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Alternation Nips Nehro in Pimlico Special

Alternation withstood a late charge by Nehro to eke out a victory in the 42nd running of the $300,000 Pimlico Special (G3) by a nose.Read More

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Pimlico Special features deep, talented field

Friday's Black-Eyed Susan undercard at Pimlico features a stellar edition of the Grade 3, $300,000 Pimlico Special Stakes as well as three sprint stakes in the lead-up to Saturday's 137th running of the Preakness Stakes. Read More

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JohnSr. · nehro ! · 374 days ago ·

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champion2011 · Alternation and Endorsement! · 374 days ago ·

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EskendereyaChampion · Endorsement! · 373 days ago ·

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Special Return - by Evan Hammonds

An off-again, on-again love affair between the Maryland Jockey Club and its signature race for the handicap division, the Pimlico Special, has played out just north of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for a half century now. The latest rebirth of the 13⁄16-mile Special will take place in living color May 18...Read More

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Dubai No Longer Golden

Time for us to realize that sending our top horses to Dubai to race on an unknown surface, thousands of miles away from their home, is no longer worth the money and prestige. Time for the connections of top horses to concentrate their efforts keeping their stars at their peak through a full and high...Read More

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Mike in SB · I totally agree, and one thing that might help is a shift of purse money from 2 and 3 year old races to the races for older horses. Racing needs to encourage and reward owners who keep their horses in training. There are too many million dollar races for 3 year olds, racing needs an organized schedule like every major sport in the world. · 416 days ago ·

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Aggadancool · Totally disagree in that Hansen a horse on the derby trail has won over both. Tapeta is a track that has carpet fibers mixed in with the sand. Our horses arent prepared properly or of condition to handle the track its not the same. You have to train for it. Our best horses may have not favored the course. But they may not be the best for that course. Japan didnt win any this year as they did last year. So The article is good but may not be on target. Plus the pic shows dirt being kicked up not fiber · 416 days ago ·

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footlick · When they first put the Tapeta surface in, they were looking for a surface to be fair to both turf and dirt horses. Unfortunately, Tapeta has proven to be another entity all together. The Racing Post talks about it. They talk about how the figures they make for the Dubai races have no bearing on how the horses will perform later on turf or dirt or even other synthetics. If we send horses for the WC, it cannot be dirt horses anymore, nor can it be assumed that just because a horse has synthetic track form it will be translated to Tapeta. It is sad, but I do think that we have to realize that it is going to take at least one prep in Dubai and a very specific type of horse to win, or even be competitive there. You are right. It is futile sending our top horses to try and cope with that surface. Even turf form can't be trusted. · 416 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Laura, I have to agree with you based on your arguments and the data you presented. Aggadancool makes a valid point that we cant expect consistent victories without adequate training (including the surface). I guess if we want to see US shippers do well in the race it may not be a bad idea to ship them to Dubai for a prep? Although, this didn't work well for Master of Hounds this year. There are plenty of tracks in the US that race synthetic and I agree that a $10 million race shouldn't be the place for the surface without recently racing on it. · 416 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · The travel and change of environment take a tremendous toll on the horses that travel to Dubai, but MONEY talks or at least if you win some of it! · 416 days ago ·

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footlick · @Ambitious D- if Bold Silvano had run well in his preps, Master of Hounds would not have run in the WC for deKock. It was not the right race for him. · 416 days ago ·

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Floridaf · Royal Delta had a win over synthetics, but that did her absolutely no good in Dubai. I have to agree with you, DeadHeat. Dubai is not the place for our top dirt horses. I also think Mike in SB presents a good solution. Raise the purses of the top handicap races, and we'll see more horses like Zenyatta, Havre de Grace, Game On Dude, etc. come back to run another year. · 416 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · I don't disagree with you footlick. But, Master of Hounds was coming off 4 previous preps at Meydan, 3 on synthetic, in which he never finished off the board. All I'm saying is that the model of racing over the surface prior to the big game doesn't hurt a horses chances. Maybe MoH was not the best example. · 416 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Richard's Kid had run on synthetic before and won, as had The Factor. You cannot train a horse to like a surface or to handle it. I would agree with putting money back into the older division, however, i doubt tracks will be begin to do that until they see that more owners are willing to bring back their stars. Also, they would want their races to have a graded status. It's almost like a stalemate and neither track nor owners really want to give. · 416 days ago ·

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larooski · I agree. Keep our horses here and make our races better. Wouldn't he SAH have been better with Game On Dude? How about Royal Delta in the Apple Blossom? · 416 days ago ·

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travel_vic · The BEST stamina in the world is no longer in North America, The best milers are elsewhere...WOn't be too long until just about all the real class tests are elsewhere · 416 days ago ·

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footlick · @AmbitiousD- deKock said he feels that MOH is a better turf horse, but he wanted a runner in the DWC. He did have form, but it just wasn't the right race for him. I agree that preps have to be run there. · 416 days ago ·

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footlick · @DeadHeat- they did have synthetic form, but their Tapeta seems to be a completely different entity. There seems to be nothing that correlates to it in the rest of the world. That is why a prep their seems to be important. Not disagreeing, but if trainers have want to go there, then they need to do what will be best for the horse in the race. And that will be prepping there, unfortunately. Not sure what the future will hold. · 416 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Footlick, that was actually the point I make. No matter what you train on it doesn't seem to translate. We cannot expect trainers and owners of our finest to ship over there to prep over the surface two or three times beforhand, not when their other major goal is the Classic, or they may want the Donn or other grade ones. Also as I said, you cannot train a horse to handle a surface. What if they were to send their horse over there only to see them lose their preps. You need a very specific horse, a very versatile horse, or a horse for course, in order to win that race. You have no clue if you have a horse for course until you send them over, and it does not seem like many are for that particular course. This again proves my main point that it is just far too much trouble, and far too much risk to be worth the trip anymore. · 416 days ago ·

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GregRiessland · other than game on dude all those horses close. and what happened to dude, bad break never got the lead and was dead in the water. · 416 days ago ·

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BrianAppleton · Agreed Dani! · 416 days ago ·

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Cardly Knot · Curlin had plenty of time acclimate in Dubai prepping in the Jaguar Trophy and still a dirt surface in '08. Anyone that wants to win the derby this year needs to get to Churchill asap. Hansen already training at Churchill. · 416 days ago ·

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yukichan · Transcend raced on both dirt (in Japan) and tapeta (Meydan). He managed a very close 2nd place last year at the World Cup. Gloria De Campeao raced on turf, dirt and tapeta, in three different countries--enjoying great success, including a World Cup victory and a second place finish. It has been done-- · 416 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · I disagree Big time. 10 million dollars a great vacation for management and if you win you will go down in history as a LEGEND ala CIGAR,INVASO,CURLIN etc only positives.. · 416 days ago ·

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larooski · I don't think winning the world Cup makes you go down in history as a legend. Captain Steve and Well Armed aren't going down in history as legends. Neither are a lot of other WC winners. · 416 days ago ·

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shadowno · They don't make LEGENDS like they used to. LMAO. The only important thing about DWC is the $$$ and without that no one, not even the euros would make the trip. · 416 days ago ·

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likin sparks · The Shieks are in it to win it, just like their greedy oil industry and how they laugh each time they increase their prices of oil and change the surface of the DWC ha ha ha ;-) · 416 days ago ·

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Junebug719 · I think it takes too much out of a horse to go that far. I am also against going to and participating in a race run by a group of people who do not given the same rights to women as men. · 415 days ago ·

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TimSmith · So your saying the Dubai World Cup win didnt bolster Cigar,Curlin and Invasors Image? You think if Royal Delta had WON the race she wouldnt be hailed as the greatest on earth> If Game on Dude would have Won that race you dont believe that would have solidified his credibility? I do .. The problem with well armed is he wasnt a star before he went there and the media never pushed him on the public. Id go to dubai with my horse if I had the chance · 415 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · They might have been held like it, but it doesn't mean they are. · 415 days ago ·

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TimSmith · Also Dataara won the Belmont and he never became famous .. but rags to riches winning it made her into a top female in peoples minds...But being the BELMONT ,DERBY or DUBAI gives a horse a chance at a legacy · 415 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · It was impressive when Rags to Riches won it because she fell at the start and defeated Curlin, arguably one of the best horses of the 21st century, as well as Hard Spun, another great we have had in the past 12 years. · 415 days ago ·

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Junebug719 · Curlin was no "regular" horse. Even though he does not get the credit he deserves, IMO, I think he was the closest we have to Secretariat. Second in Beyer ratings also with a 134. He is a superior horse.. · 415 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · They physically were simillar, but I think it stopped there. · 415 days ago ·

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TimSmith · What if it happened in the Goodwood> Would it be the same as winning the Belmont? · 415 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · considering the tapeta surface, the final time for this race on tapeta was very good. · 412 days ago ·

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The return of the Special: Burying the lead on a spot of good news

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5/16/2003 BloodHorse Neil Howard may saddle a longshot Saturday in the Preakness (gr. I), but he sent out a favorite to win the $600,000 Pimlico Special (gr. I) Friday. Mineshaft and Robby Albarado won the Pimlico Special over Western Pride and longshot Judge's Case.Read More